Towpath artwork unveiled on Regent's Canal
17 June 2009
British Waterways has today unveiled a temporary piece of artwork on the Regent's Canal towpath in Islington as part of a series of measures to help keep cyclists and pedestrians on the move safely.
The artwork, which features a ‘canyon’ in the towpath, forms part of the Two Tings campaign that encourages cyclists and pedestrians to share the towpaths, and abide by a code of conduct to avoid any collisions or clashes along the canal. The artwork is one of several activities British Waterways is organising as part of national bike week.
British Waterways’ towpath ranger, Joseph Young explains: “The majority of cyclists and pedestrians who use the towpaths share the space amicably and recognise that the waterways offer a peaceful, scenic, and vehicle-free route through the city.
"However there are a handful of users who refuse to slow down and share the space with their fellow pedestrians and cyclists. That’s why we’ve commissioned this piece of art. We hope that it will shock them into slowing down to avoid falling into the canyon we’ve created. Once they’ve slowed down it gives us an opportunity to talk to them and explain how their speeding puts both them and other users at risk.”
Towpath ranger, Joe regularly patrols the capital’s canals promoting the Two Tings safety campaign and offering cycle-friendly solutions to getting around the city. He also works closely with Transport for London and council officers to help identify parallel off-towpath routes for cyclists who want to travel at speed.
Cycling on the towpath seems to have become increasingly popular in summer 2009, with more people than ever getting onto their bikes. The recession and increasing environmental awareness have contributed towards the shift to this sustainable mode of transport. Whilst last week’s tube strike resulted in a noticeable increase in commuter cyclists on the towpath as Londoner’s used alternative methods to get to work. The Regent’s Canal runs east-west across central London, passing many of the main tube stations on its route.
With an increase in users, however, comes potential conflict. Pedestrians have priority on London’s towpaths and many feel vulnerable as a result of the number of cyclists sharing the space, some of whom are unaware of the towpath code of conduct and the considerate behaviour that it promotes. Others are aware of the rules, but refuse to observe them.
For this reason, British Waterways London commissioned this exciting art installation on the Regent’s Canal, aimed at shocking speeding cyclists into slowing down and moderating their behaviour.
Joe Young adds: “As a cyclist myself I can definitely say this isn’t about trying to restrict access to the towpaths for bikes. It’s about appropriateness – the towpaths are often narrow and are full of historic furniture such as low bridges, lock landings and bollards, all of which are part of the charm of the canal, but aren’t ideal for cyclists who need to get somewhere in a hurry. British Waterways wants to make sure that everyone who uses the towpaths gets to enjoy them, taking time to appreciate the wildlife and heritage they offer. Cycling on the towpath is a real escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, so it’s worth taking it steady and enjoying the view.”
Ends
For more press information contact: Gill Owen T 020 7985 7227 mb 07733 124580
Notes to editors:
British Waterways Bike Week programme of activities:
Tuesday 16 June, 7-10pm - Our Cheese & Your Wine Party (hosted by Ealing Cycling Campaign)
Meet at Ealing Town Hall and join a leisurely 10 mile ride, concluding with a party at Osterley Lock Picnic Site. Bring a bottle and lights to go home.
Wednesday 17 June, 8am - Grand Opening
Come to the grand opening of a secret art project at City Road Lock.
Wednesday 17 June, 4-5pm - Reclaim the Towpath Ramble
Meet at Broadway Market Bridge and join a group of pedestrians and cyclists to show your support for considerate towpath use and the Two Tings Campaign. We will walk to City Road Lock en masse, reclaiming the towpath from inconsiderate users.
Wednesday 17 June, 5-7pm - Two Tings Party
Come and share a glass of wine and admire the new public art project at City Road Lock, commissioned by BW, whilst enjoying live music from the River Ratpack.
Thursday 18 June, 8-11am - Two Tings Awareness Event
Come and meet London's towpath rangers, help to promote safe shared use of the towpath, and get a free bike safety check. Free tea, coffee and refreshments too.
Thursday 18 June, 5-6pm - City Road Lock to Victoria Park Parallel Route Ride
Do you cycle the Regent's Canal as part of your daily commute? Are you tired of dodging pedestrians and other cyclists and slowing down at bridges? Did you know there is a quicker and easier way? The towpath rangers will be leading a ride along the proposed parallel on-road route. Come and see how easy your commute could be. Meet at City Road Lock with your bike.
Saturday 20 June, 12-3pm - Art Gallery Bike Tour
Meet at City Road Lock with your bike and join a cultural tour of art galleries on or beside the canal in Islington, Hackney and Tower Hamlets.
For more information about any of these events visit www.waterscape.com/events or contact towpath ranger, Joseph Young on 07899 837612 or joseph.young@britishwaterways.co.uk.
British Waterways cares for and manages 100 miles of canals and rivers and 110 acres of docks in London. As a not-for-dividend public corporation it works with a broad range of public, private and voluntary sector partners to unlock the potential of the inland waterways for the benefit of the millions who visit and care for them.
www.britishwaterways.co.uk For further information about enjoying the capital’s canals and rivers in your leisure time visit www.waterscape.com
Towpath Code of Conduct for all users:
Pedestrians have priority over cyclists on the towpath.
Considerate cycling permitted providing this code of conduct is followed.
Give way to oncoming users at bridges.
Some bridges have poor visibility so check (using the mirrors if available) that someone isn’t already coming through.
Cyclists should slow down, ring with Two Tings and let other users through the bridge before continuing. Never pass a pedestrian or another cyclist underneath a bridge - there is not room to do so safely.
Pedestrians should listen out for the Two Tings warning from cyclists. Please note cyclists no longer have to dismount to go under a bridge.
Be extra careful at bends and entrances
Cyclists, be prepared to slow down, stop, or dismount if necessary.
Consider other users and the local environment.
The waterways and towpaths have many historic structures and important wildlife habitats for people to enjoy.
Code of Conduct for Cyclists:
Ring with Two Tings
Use a bell, giving Two Tings when approaching pedestrians. Ringing with Two Tings is not an order to pedestrians to get out of your way.
Be aware that some pedestrians may have visual or hearing impairments and might not hear your Two Tings.
Pass people slowly. Give people space.
Slow down when approaching pedestrians and only pass when it is safe to do so. Extra care should be taken when passing children, less able people and animals.
Try to pass on the water side of the path. Pedestrians will tend to move to the back edge of the towpath to allow you to pass.
Be patient and courteous to pedestrians. Saying “thank you” to pedestrians who move to let you pass will make them more likely to move next time.
Ride at a sensible speed.
The towpath is never suitable for cycling fast as there are many other users, low bridges and narrow sections. If you are in a hurry, use an alternative route.
Code of Conduct for Pedestrians:
Listen for Two Tings.
Two Tings is not an order for you to move out of the way. It is to make you aware that cyclists are looking for a safe opportunity to pass. We advise you not to use headphones at peak times so you can hear a cyclist’s Two Tings.
Allow cyclists to pass.
Allow cyclists to pass you when it is safe. Remember that cyclists need room to brake and stop. If a cyclist stops or waits for you to pass, thank them and they will be more likely to stop next time.